Compliance with infection prevention and control practices and associated factors among healthcare workers in Tanzania: Experience from Katavi Regional Referral Hospital in Katavi

IntroductionCompliance with Infection Prevention and Control practices remains a key challenge, affecting the safety of both patients and healthcare workers. Poor compliance raises the risk of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs), antimicrobial-resistant organisms, and hinders efforts to provide safe healthcare by 2030. ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate compliance levels and factors associated with infection prevention and control practices among HCWs at Katavi Referral Regional Hospital in Tanzania. MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 195 healthcare workers was conducted between 24th July and 23rd August 2025. Questionnaires and observation checklists were used to collect sociodemographic data, individual-level, hospital-level factors, and the availability of IPC supplies. A validated Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale (CSPS) tool developed by WHO was used to measure compliance levels. Data were analysed with the aid of STATA version 15.0, using bivariate and multivariate modified Poisson regression models to assess factors associated with IPC compliance. ResultsThe study revealed that the overall compliance with IPC practices was 68.9% with 39% of HCWs having a high overall compliance with IPC practices, scoring <80%, and 61% had low compliance, scoring >80%. Also, factors significantly associated with compliance with IPC practices were doctor profession (APR: 0.32;95% CI: 0.19, 0.57), blood/body fluid exposure (APR: 1.55;95% CI: 1.095,2.19), motivation at workplace (APR: 1.43;95% CI: 1.02,2.02), supportive supervision (APR:1.92;95% CI: 1.09,3.38), and presence of IPC committee (APR:1.61;95% CI:1.07,2.40). The most common available IPC supplies were HH items, PPEs, and waste management items (100%). However, some IPC supplies were unavailable, including water and soap in latrines. ConclusionOverall compliance with IPC practices among HCWs was suboptimal, with only 39% achieving the recommended level of >80%. Compliance was positively influenced by exposure to body fluids, workplace motivation, supportive supervision, and the presence of an IPC committee. While essential supplies such as hand hygiene items, PPEs, and waste management items were available, gaps remained, particularly the lack of water and soap in latrines. To increase compliance levels, the health system should strengthen IPC activities within the IPC committee and address resource gaps within the health facilities.